Astro Build: The story of Van-a-White

**grox** · 10-08-2010, 08:29 PM

I purchased a 95 AWD Astro last week. I plan on a mild lift kit (2" or 4") T-case swap, and a system of drawers and sleep loft in back. It's certainly going to be more of an earth roaming camper van than a rockcrawler, which is why I decided that The Expedition Portal is the best place for a build thread.

But before I get to any of the fun stuff I have my share of "neutralizing" first. The van runs great but had a super annoying vibration on the highway. I suspected u-joints but I took it to the shop for an overall check-up anyway. Turns out the old-timer that owned the van didn't do anything, with the exception of oil changes, for all 130,000 miles. You name it, it needs attention. What do you expect for $1,600?

This weekend I'll take on replacing the front drive shaft and u-joints, rear drive shaft u-joints, tie rod ends, change and flush fluids... and if time allows work on getting those crazy decals off the side.

Pictures to follow.

**rotor** · 10-08-2010, 09:14 PM

I like it!

**LeadDoggy** · 10-09-2010, 01:42 AM

going to keep an eye on this one......

**scotter** · 10-09-2010, 03:02 AM

I'll be watching as well, looks like you scored a decent van to start with for a good price. I had similar aspirations for an Astro I once owned so I could use it for radio camping. Take plenty of pics and share your experiance.

**T.Low** · 10-09-2010, 06:30 AM

**BCHauler** · 10-09-2010, 04:28 PM

You can't beat the Astro/Safari's for versatility. I had a 90 for many years and loved it. Lots of space and versatility. I swapped in a 350 in mine. Just look at T.Low's rig. They're a neat platform.

**Herbie** · 10-10-2010, 02:49 PM

Awesome! Another Astro joins the fold. Can't wait to see how you get on.

**ihatemybike** · 10-11-2010, 11:15 AM

I am an Astro geek and I approve of this build!

**grox** · 10-11-2010, 01:56 PM

Got a lot of basic stuff done this weekend. Outer tie rod ends, replaced front drive shaft, u-joints and changed fluids. Aside from a couple stripped out Torx bolts on the drive shaft and a stripped out oil pan drain plug (the oil pan not the plug!) things went really smooth. Hopefully I'll get to the fun stuff soon.

**ihatemybike** · 10-11-2010, 04:12 PM

Yeah, those E-Torx are a pain.

Thread: Astro Build: The story of Van-a-White

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